Disposable gas bottle regulator, query faulty

[cr0]

Hello first post so go easy

I am using rent free type cylinders as my main source of gas for welding but have as backup disposable co2.

Now I was checking, whilst using the disposable co2 and regulator, the LPM flow rate at the torch nozzle and according to the regulator instructions then knob position 3 or 4 should give 2 or 3 LPM but it doesnt. I have to turn the knob to position 5 to get nearly 3 LPM. Even with the knob at position 6 (max) it barely gives 4 LPM (I'm using 8-10 LPM of gas from the rent free cylinder).

I understand there is some variability in the disposable regulators but what do people think, is this a faulty regulator?

It came with the Clarke 135TE I have which I haven't long purchased and is under warranty so if it's faulty I'll get it replaced.

 

[gaz1]

my advice dump the small bottles get an account instead either a boc account or one of the hobby ones what you spend in those you will saves loads the other way instead you could even use pub bottle if you know the land lords or even a co2 fire extinguisher alot cheaper than the ones your using at moment

 

[T0rnado69]

those disposable's are a waste of time and money.

depending how much gas you use per year.
you might be better off on BOC's hobby deal.

if you dont use much then rent free is proberly cheaper.

 

[armalites]

Hi cr0, if you are using the disposable for time when you've run out of gas then I would recommend that when your rent free bottle is nearly empty go and pay another deposit/fill so you have one waiting. Then when the other is empty you can return it and get your deposit back. Those disposables are a waste of time and money. I know it's difficult for someone who welds at a weekend and I appreciate it will seem like a big outlay to go and get a second bottle but it's not dead money as you can get the deposit back

 

[MoreWellie]

is this a faulty regulator?

yes, they are really poor although clarke tend to last longer thant the others, the last one I used had to be turned more than 360 degrees to get a reasonable gas flow

 

[rikrobson]

Ignore the numbers on the disposeable reg. open it up full. you will run out of gas in about 10 mins of welding. basically disposeable stuff is rubbish.

 

[WorkshopChris]

As already said they are a waste of space more like a on off valve than an adjustable regulator.

PS welcome.

 

[cr0]

Thank you all for the responses, I'm sure I enabled email alerts in response to any posts but didn't get any!

I did contact Clarke also who basically confirmed what you've all said which is that those disposable regulators are highly variable / kak.

Given the amount of gas I'll be using I don't think a rental would save me any money but I'll evaluate gas usage as I go. I like the idea of getting another cylinder as one nears empty but I haven't found any rent free cylinders where you get your full deposit back, they all seem to take an admin fee now. Fortunately I do have a Hobbyweld dealer very near who seems to always have stock so I'll just have to live with being out of gas briefly when the cylinder runs out.

The disposable bottle and regulator have been consigned back to the box so if I ever sell the welder it can go as ready to weld, maybe not weld that well but ready to weld none the less!

 

[dannyp]

if your useing co2 use pub gas typical costs are,

refundable £25 deposit on the cyl. £12.50 a fill a regulator will be about £18 off ebay. and the bottels look to hold about 10ltrs

 

[Charlie390]

A cheap tip is to get yourself a pea shooter gas meter that you stick over the end of the torch to accurately test the gas flow. Best thing I've bought and only a few pounds from ebay.

 

[Jim Davey]

It would take a lot of pressure to get 6-10 lpm through the tiny capillary hose supplied on hobby machines, ignore what the manual says, it's impossible to properly regulate those disposable bottles. Open the tap fully as others have said and get off the disposable jobbies asap.

 

[Rusty31]

Thank you all for the responses, I'm sure I enabled email alerts in response to any posts but didn't get any!

I did contact Clarke also who basically confirmed what you've all said which is that those disposable regulators are highly variable / kak.

Given the amount of gas I'll be using I don't think a rental would save me any money but I'll evaluate gas usage as I go. I like the idea of getting another cylinder as one nears empty but I haven't found any rent free cylinders where you get your full deposit back, they all seem to take an admin fee now. Fortunately I do have a Hobbyweld dealer very near who seems to always have stock so I'll just have to live with being out of gas briefly when the cylinder runs out.

The disposable bottle and regulator have been consigned back to the box so if I ever sell the welder it can go as ready to weld, maybe not weld that well but ready to weld none the less!

Hi there, bought two of these http://welduk.com/product/co2-argon-disposable-gas-bottle-220-ltrs-100-bar
I am a complete beginner but these should give about 30 mins+ downside is your Clarke reg is not up to them as they started cut at 7 bar

 

[cr0]

A cheap tip is to get yourself a pea shooter gas meter that you stick over the end of the torch to accurately test the gas flow. Best thing I've bought and only a few pounds from ebay.

Yes I recently got one, it's great to know exactly how much gas is actually flowing out.